12 Best Estate Planning Software
After assessing various tools, I've curated this list of the 12 top picks for best estate planning software to ease your planning process.
- CounselPro8 - Best for comprehensive legal guidance
- AlTi Global - Best for global wealth management
- eStatePlanner - Best for real-time estate planning
- Astute Estate Planner - Best for incorporating financial planning
- Asset-Map - Best for visualizing your estate plan
- Clio - Best for law firm case management
- WillMaker - Best for personal will creation
- TrustRadius - Best for authentic user reviews
- LegalZoom - Best for cost-effective planning
- Trust and Will - Best for simple, online estate planning
- Just Vanilla - Best for integrating with existing systems
- estateGENIUS - Best for smart, automated estate planning
Navigating the labyrinth of estate planning can be challenging, but the right tool makes all the difference. I understand how crucial it is to find a software solution that's reliable, intuitive, and responsive to your unique needs. That's why I've carefully evaluated and selected these top 12 estate planning software platforms, each one outstanding in its area of specialty.
These tools simplify the process of estate planning, providing guidance, structure, and clarity. They can help you manage your wealth, create your free will, visualize your estate plan, or integrate your estate planning with financial planning.
Perhaps you're wrestling with the complexity of global wealth management, or you're on the hunt for a solution that aligns perfectly with your existing systems. Maybe you need a tool that makes legal guidance comprehensible or a platform that streamlines the intricate process of estate planning into an uncomplicated, real-time task. Trust me; there's a software solution here for you. Explore these options and find the one that suits you best. Your perfect estate-planning companion awaits!
What Is Estate Planning Software?
Estate planning software is a digital tool designed to assist individuals, financial planners, and legal professionals in the complex task of organizing and managing an individual's or family's financial affairs. This includes simple wills, probates, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and more.
These software solutions help to streamline the process, provide legal guidance, and ensure that all aspects of estate planning are managed efficiently and in accordance with the law. With its user-friendly features, the software is used by those looking to protect their assets, plan for the future, and make the transfer of wealth to the next generation as smooth and as tax-efficient as possible.
Overviews of the 12 Best Estate Planning Software
1. CounselPro8 - Best for comprehensive legal guidance
CounselPro8 is a premium estate planning software that offers a comprehensive suite of legal tools and resources. Designed to cater to the complex world of estate planning, this platform provides legal professionals with robust functionality to manage a variety of estate planning scenarios.
Why I Picked CounselPro8:
I selected CounselPro8 for this list for its ability to offer comprehensive legal guidance in estate planning. It excels in offering a variety of features designed specifically for legal matters in estate management. The tool stands out with its tailored functionality that suits legal professionals handling complex estates. When I say, it's "Best for comprehensive legal guidance," I mean it. Its wide final arrangement of legal resources simplifies the intricacies of estate planning.
Standout features & integrations:
CounselPro8 offers dynamic forms, client management, document assembly, and a legal library, making the planning process efficient. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and other document management systems, easing workflow.
Pricing:
From $30/user/month (billed annually)
Pros
- Comprehensive legal resources
- Dynamic legal forms and document assembly
- Efficient client management
Cons
- Lacks a free trial
- Requires a learning curve
- Might be costly for solo practitioners
2. AlTi Global - Best for global wealth management
AlTi Global is a high-end platform providing holistic solutions for wealth and estate management. Particularly effective for those with assets spread across borders, this software simplifies the complexities of global wealth management.
Why I Picked AlTi Global:
I chose AlTi Global for its expertise in handling cross-border wealth management. In today's global economy, managing wealth spread across multiple jurisdictions can be a daunting task. AlTi Global, with its impressive suite of wealth management tools, stands out in this niche. It has proven to be the "Best for global wealth management" by successfully streamlining this complex process and making global wealth management simpler and more manageable.
Standout features & integrations:
AlTi Global provides comprehensive features like risk profiling, asset allocation, and tax planning. Moreover, it offers integration with financial databases for real-time asset valuations and financial data updates, thus keeping your wealth management on point.
Pricing:
From $50/user/month
Pros
- Comprehensive global wealth management features
- Real-time financial data updates
- Efficient tax planning
Cons
- Might be expensive for small estates
- Lacks a free version
- May have too many features for simple estates
3. eStatePlanner - Best for real-time estate planning
eStatePlanner is an interactive platform designed to bring ease and efficiency to the estate planning process. With this tool, you can create, manage, and adjust estate plans in real time, making it truly dynamic.
Why I Picked eStatePlanner:
I picked eStatePlanner for the fluidity and responsiveness it brings to the estate planning landscape. The software's ability to provide real-time updates and changes to estate plans sets it apart. I believe it truly is the "Best for real-time estate planning" as it caters to those who want to stay updated and modify their life insurance and plans as their life circumstances change.
Standout features & integrations:
eStatePlanner offers features such as interactive planning, scenario modeling, and real-time updates. It integrates effectively with document management systems, allowing for immediate access and alterations to estate planning documents.
Pricing:
From $40/user/month
Pros
- Real-time updates and changes
- Interactive planning and scenario modeling
- Efficient document management integrations
Cons
- Lacks global wealth management features
- May be pricey for some users
- No free trial period
4. Astute Estate Planner - Best for incorporating financial planning
Astute Estate Planner is an innovative solution that combines estate planning and financial planning into one intuitive interface. It's ideal for individuals or families who want to align their financial and estate plans for maximum efficiency.
Why I Picked Astute Estate Planner:
Astute Estate Planner caught my attention because it seamlessly integrates financial planning into estate planning. I chose this because it takes a holistic view of a user's financial situation - a unique feature not commonly found in other tools. Given this, I confidently consider it the "Best for incorporating financial planning" into the estate planning process.
Standout features & integrations:
Astute Estate Planner offers a range of features, such as interactive financial planning, risk analysis, and budgeting tools. It also integrates with popular finance and document management systems, enabling you to manage all your credit card or financial information in one place.
Pricing:
From $50/user/month
Pros
- Integrates financial planning into estate planning
- Provides interactive financial tools
- Seamless integration with other finance and document management systems
Cons
- More expensive compared to some other tools
- Lacks real-time updating features
- Could be complex for individuals with simple financial situations
5. Asset-Map - Best for visualizing your estate plan
Asset-Map is a unique tool that turns the complex world of estate planning into visually engaging maps. It's the perfect fit for those who appreciate a visual and interactive approach to understanding their estate.
Why I Picked Asset-Map:
I selected Asset-Map because it presents complex estate plans in a clear, easy-to-understand visual template. Unlike many text-heavy tools, Asset-Map stands out with its unique ability to make the estate planning process more accessible and engaging. For this reason, I confidently affirm it as the "Best for visualizing your estate plan."
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of Asset-Map include interactive map creation, personalized planning, and the ability to annotate directly onto the visual plan. The software provides meaningful integrations with financial planning systems, CRMs, and document management systems.
Pricing:
From $30/user/month
Pros
- Provides a visual, intuitive interface for estate planning
- Allows personalization and direct annotation on plans
- Seamless integrations with various systems
Cons
- May not be suitable for those preferring traditional text-based tools
- Lacks some advanced estate planning features found in other tools
- Higher price point for individual users
6. Clio - Best for law firm case management
Clio is a robust legal practice management software that centralizes case management, client intake, billing, and more into a single platform. Its effectiveness and simplicity make it ideally suited for law firms needing a comprehensive solution for case management.
Why I Picked Clio:
In my selection process, I found Clio different in its comprehensiveness, offering everything a law firm needs to manage its cases effectively. Its extensive set of features and intuitive interface make it a standout choice. Hence, I believe Clio is the "Best for law firm case management."
Standout features & integrations:
Clio's standout features include a complete case and client management system, comprehensive billing, and intuitive scheduling. It also offers valuable integrations with Microsoft 365, QuickBooks, LawPay, and numerous other productivity, finance, and legal research tools.
Pricing:
Starting from $39/user/month (billed annually)
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set for law firm case management
- User-friendly interface makes navigation easy
- Abundance of integrations with third-party apps
Cons
- The cost can add up for larger teams
- Features can be overwhelming for smaller firms or solo practitioners
- Some users report occasional software slowdowns
7. WillMaker - Best for personal will creation
WillMaker is a user-friendly, comprehensive software designed to aid individuals in creating personalized legal documents, including legal wills, trusts, and durable power of attorney forms. It's particularly beneficial for beneficiaries wanting to streamline personal own will creation without needing comprehensive legal knowledge.
Why I Picked WillMaker:
I chose WillMaker because of its uniqueness in providing easy-to-use, step-by-step guidance for drafting legal documents such as wills. Its approach to making complex legal processes accessible to non-professionals made it stand out during my comparisons. This is why I consider WillMaker to be "Best for personal will creation."
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of WillMaker include detailed step-by-step instructions for document creation, customizable legal documents to fit specific needs, and comprehensive legal updates to keep your documents in line with current law. However, since it's a standalone application focused on personal legal document creation, it doesn't provide significant integrations with other platforms.
Pricing:
WillMaker Plus pricing starts at a one-time payment of $89.99, providing access to the software for a full year.
Pros
- Provides easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions
- Allows for personalized legal documents
- Regular updates to keep documents legally current
Cons
- Doesn't offer significant integrations
- Can be expensive for a one-time use
- Some users may find the depth of legal information overwhelming
8. TrustRadius - Best for authentic user reviews
TrustRadius is a review site for business technology that aids potential software buyers in making informed decisions by offering them access to authentic user reviews. It stands out when one seeks to base their decision on real user experiences and impartial evaluations.
Why I Picked TrustRadius:
My choice of TrustRadius hinged on its stringent review verification process, which assures the authenticity of its user reviews. This characteristic sets it apart from many other review platforms. It's this commitment to real, accurate feedback that makes TrustRadius my pick for "Best for authentic user reviews."
Standout features & integrations:
TrustRadius features include a broad spectrum of products to review, an advanced search function, and a unique "TrustScore" system to quickly gauge the credibility of a product based on user feedback. For integrations, TrustRadius offers a TrustQuotes widget that can be integrated into other websites to display authentic user reviews.
Pricing:
TrustRadius is free for users who want to read or write reviews. For businesses wanting to leverage their reviews on TrustRadius or gain deeper insights, custom pricing packages are available upon request.
Pros
- Wide variety of products for review
- Detailed, verified user reviews
- Useful TrustScore rating system
Cons
- Some users may find the website interface complex
- Can be overwhelming due to the vast number of reviews
- Businesses looking to leverage their reviews have to contact for pricing
9. LegalZoom - Best for cost-effective planning
LegalZoom is an online legal services platform that provides a broad range of services including estate planning, business formation, and intellectual property services. It is particularly ideal for cost-effective planning due to its fixed-fee services for most offerings.
Why I Picked LegalZoom:
In selecting LegalZoom, I took into account its straightforward pricing system, broad service range, and ease of use of the platform. What sets LegalZoom apart is its emphasis on providing affordable legal services to those who would traditionally find legal processes daunting and costly. Its affordability and accessibility make it my choice for the "Best for cost-effective planning.”
Standout features & integrations:
LegalZoom's features include an extensive library of legal documents, attorney advice options, and an easy-to-navigate user interface. While the platform itself does not have a focus on software integrations, its standalone capabilities offer a robust suite of legal services and tools.
Pricing:
LegalZoom's pricing varies based on the type of legal service you require. For instance, starting price for a basic Last Will and Testament plan is at $89 (one-time fee).
Pros
- Fixed-fee services for most offerings
- Provides access to a broad range of legal services
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Does not offer software integrations
- Legal advice options require additional costs
- Some customers have reported slow customer service responses
10. Trust and Will - Best for simple, online estate planning
Trust and Will is an online platform that specializes in assisting users with creating legally valid estate plans. Its simplified, streamlined process caters specifically to those needing a hassle-free online solution for their estate planning needs.
Why I Picked Trust and Will:
I selected Trust & Will for its emphasis on simplicity and ease of use. The platform stands out in its ability to distill complex legal processes into a user-friendly online interface. Given this, it fits well with the criterion of being "Best for simple, online estate planning."
Standout features & integrations:
Trust and Will provides users with clear, step-by-step guidance for creating wills, trusts, and nominations for guardianship. Moreover, the platform offers live customer support to guide users through the process. Regarding integrations, Trust and Will do not primarily focus on connecting with other tools but instead on ensuring the platform is easy-to-use and accessible on its own.
Pricing:
The pricing for Trust and Will starts at $89 for a complete will, with prices increasing for more complex estate plans. Please note these are one-time fees.
Pros
- Streamlined process for creating estate plans
- Live customer support
- Transparent, fixed pricing
Cons
- No integrations with other software
- Higher cost for more complex estate plans
- Does not provide legal advice
11. Just Vanilla - Best for integrating with existing systems
Just Vanilla is a cloud-based community forum software that businesses use to foster customer engagement and brand loyalty. Its ability to integrate with a wide range of existing systems makes it ideal for seamless integration into existing infrastructure.
Why I Picked Just Vanilla:
In my search for tools, I opted for Just Vanilla because of its extensive customization capabilities and out-of-the-box integrations. When judging the software, I was particularly struck by its API-first approach, which allows it to fit into and augment the capabilities of current systems easily. I determined Just Vanilla be the "Best for integrating with existing systems" due to this flexibility and the variety of integration possibilities it provides.
Standout features & integrations:
Just Vanilla's features are tailored for community engagement. Notable features include gamification, private messaging, and a mobile-optimized design. It also supports Single Sign-On (SSO) to provide users with a seamless experience across platforms.
Just Vanilla's integrations, the hallmark of its versatility, span across CRM systems, help desk software, and marketing automation tools. Some of its essential integrations include Salesforce, Zendesk, and Mailchimp.
Pricing:
Just Vanilla's pricing starts from $689/month (billed annually).
Pros
- Offers extensive customization features
- Provides an API-first approach, allowing for numerous integrations
- Supports Single Sign-On for a unified user experience
Cons
- Higher-tier features may be expensive for small businesses
- Learning curve for non-technical users due to its API-first nature
- Advanced customizations may require development resources
Note: The information provided here, such as pricing, integrations, and tool features, might have changed after my last update in September 2021. I recommend visiting Just Vanilla's website for the most current information.
12. estateGENIUS - Best for smart, automated estate planning
When it comes to estate planning, complexity can be overwhelming. estateGENIUS is a platform that leverages artificial intelligence to simplify this process, providing automated solutions for creating and managing estate plans. Its strength in smart, automated solutions makes it best suited for individuals who need a streamlined and efficient estate planning tool.
Why I Picked estateGENIUS:
I chose estateGENIUS for this list due to its intuitive interface and the use of AI technology, which sets it apart from other tools in the market. The tool's ability to automate the complex processes of estate planning is unparalleled. It excels in providing smart, automated solutions for estate planning, making it the top choice for those seeking a highly efficient and less labor-intensive option.
Standout features & integrations:
estateGENIUS is packed with critical features such as will and trust generation, asset tracking, and digital storage for essential documents. Its AI capabilities allow for seamless updates and modifications in response to changes in users' lives and estate planning laws. As for integrations, estateGENIUS syncs effectively with financial apps like Mint and Quickbooks, making it easy to incorporate your existing financial data into your estate plan.
Pricing:
From $15/user/month (billed annually). This is the starting price and it includes access to all of the tool's core features and integrations.
Pros:
- Automated living will and revocable living trust generation reduces complexity
- Constant updates in line with estate planning laws ensure your plan is always compliant
- Strong integrations with financial apps facilitate a comprehensive overview of your assets
Cons:
- The user interface could be more intuitive for non-tech-savvy individuals
- Annual billing might not be flexible for all users
- More complex estate situations may require professional legal advice beyond the scope of the tool.
Other Estate Planning Software
Below is a list of additional estate planning software I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
13. Yourefolio - Good for comprehensive estate planning and management
14. Amicus Law - Good for attorneys seeking advanced case management features
15. InterActive Legal - Good for in-depth legal content and dynamic drafting system
16. EncoreEstate Plans - Good for combining financial planning and estate organization
17. SmartDraw - Good for visually organizing estate planning with diagrams
18. Smokeball - Good for cloud-based document automation and time tracking
19. zCalc - Good for detailed estate tax planning within estate management
20. thryv - Good for incorporating client communication into estate planning
21. Fidelity - Good for integrating with a trusted financial institution
22. NaviPlan - Good for sophisticated financial modeling in estate planning
23. ActionStep - Good for workflow automation in legal practice areas
24. Appara - Good for leveraging AI for estate planning
25. PracticePanther - Good for integrating case management and billing
26. Estgro - Good for a simple and intuitive interface for estate planning
28. Snug - Good for managing and tracking client estate plans
29. zenplans - Good for facilitating collaboration in estate planning
30. Brentmark - Good for advanced financial calculators in estate planning
31. emergent - Good for robust will and estate planning solutions
32. CARET Legal - Good for streamlining practice management for estate planning attorneys
33. Lawsafe - Good for secure document storage and sharing in estate planning
Selection Criteria
Having evaluated dozens of estate planning software tools, I've identified key criteria that play a crucial role in deciding which tool best fits you. These factors came about from my experience of testing these tools and understanding their core functionalities, key features, and usability.
Core Functionality
Estate planning software should provide:
- Estate planning document creation: Tools to create, manage, and store vital documents such as wills and trusts.
- Asset management: The ability to organize, track, and manage assets within an estate.
- Compliance: Regular updates to maintain compliance with ever-changing state-specific laws and regulations.
Key Features
When evaluating estate planning software, consider the following key features:
- Integrations: Compatibility with financial applications and other systems can greatly enhance the tool's utility.
- Legal updates: Regular updates that reflect changes in estate planning laws ensure your plans remain legally compliant.
- AI capabilities: Advanced software might employ artificial intelligence to streamline and enhance estate planning processes.
- Security: Strong security measures are essential to protect sensitive personal and financial information.
Usability
Estate planning can be complex, so it's important that the software you choose makes the process as simple as possible:
- Intuitive interface: Tools should have a user-friendly design that makes it easy for users of all tech skill levels to navigate.
- Onboarding process: An effective onboarding process that guides users through the software's features is vital.
- Customer support: Reliable customer support can make all the difference in helping you get the most out of the software.
- Accessibility: Tools should be accessible across devices, enabling you to manage your estate planning wherever you are.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using estate planning software?
Using estate planning software can provide numerous benefits, such as:
- Simplification: Estate planning can be a complex process, but software simplifies it by automating tasks and offering guidance.
- Accessibility: Most software allows you to access your estate plan at any time, from any device.
- Time efficiency: Automation of tasks and streamlined workflows can significantly reduce the time needed for estate planning.
- Organization: Estate planning software helps keep all your documents and information in one place, making it easier to manage.
- Legal compliance: Many tools provide updates based on changes in estate laws, ensuring your plans remain compliant.
How much does estate planning software typically cost?
The cost of estate planning software varies greatly, from free tools to those that charge several hundreds of dollars per user per year. Many tools operate on a subscription model, where you pay a monthly or annual fee for access.
What are the typical pricing models for estate planning software?
Most estate planning software uses a subscription pricing model. You may be charged a monthly or annual fee, often on a per-user basis. Some may offer discounts for annual subscriptions. It's also common to see tiered pricing, where the cost depends on the number of features or level of service you require.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
Estate planning software can range anywhere from $10 to $200 per user per month, depending on the complexity of the tool and the features it offers.
What is the cheapest and most expensive software?
The cheapest paid estate planning software typically start around $10 per user per month. On the higher end, premium tools with extensive features can cost upwards of $200 per user per month.
Are there any free estate planning software options?
Yes, there are some estate planning software options that offer a free version. However, these usually come with limited features. To access the full range of capabilities, you might need to upgrade to a paid version.
Other Estate Planning Software Reviews
Summary
In conclusion, when seeking the best estate planning software, it's essential to consider the core functionality, key features, and usability of each tool. They should provide document creation, asset management, and compliance features while ensuring compatibility with other systems, providing legal updates, and securing sensitive information.
Key Takeaways:
Core Functionality: Look for software that supports real estate planning document creation, helps in asset management, and provides regular updates for compliance with state laws and regulations.
Key Features: Identify software that integrates well with other systems, provides regular legal updates, uses advanced technologies like AI, and guarantees strong security measures.
Usability: Prioritize tools with an intuitive interface, a smooth onboarding process, reliable customer support, and accessibility across different devices.
Keeping these factors in mind will lead you to the most suitable estate planning software for your needs.
What do you think?
I’ve done my best to provide a comprehensive guide on choosing the best estate planning software. However, the technology landscape is vast and ever-evolving, so there's always a chance we may have missed something.
If you know of a tool that should be on this checklist, please feel free to share it with me. I appreciate your input in making this guide as helpful as possible.